Steps to Obtain Video Footage of Your Car Accident in Las Vegas

In the aftermath of a car accident, securing video evidence can be crucial to proving fault, clarifying events, and supporting insurance claims. Whether the collision occurred at a busy intersection or in a parking lot, having clear video footage can make a significant difference in legal proceedings and insurance settlements. In Las Vegas, with its massive network of traffic cameras and surveillance systems, finding accident video footage may be easier than you think. This article outlines the key steps to obtaining car accident video evidence in Las Vegas, helping you gather the necessary proof for your case.

1. Determine Possible Sources of Footage

The first step in obtaining accident footage is identifying the potential sources of video recordings. In Las Vegas, several types of cameras could have captured your car accident:

• Las Vegas Traffic Cameras: The city and state operate a vast network of traffic cameras, particularly at major intersections, highways, and busy streets. Those cameras are operated by the Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation (FAST), a division of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), in conjunction with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). These cameras primarily monitor traffic flow and congestion, and anyone can view live video feed from these cameras. However, video footage from these cameras was not stored until a few years ago, when a private company, National Traffic Video, started storing these videos and made them available to the public for a fee.
  
• Surveillance Cameras: Businesses, especially those near intersections or busy roads, often have security cameras monitoring their premises. Gas stations, convenience stores, and large retail outlets are common examples. Because storing video feeds is a huge expense, businesses retain surveillance footage for only a brief period of time. Thus, they must be notified immediately after an accident and requested to store relevant video footage. Some businesses may not cooperate without police involvement or a subpoena. Consequently, retaining a car accident attorney early on can help preserve and secure these videos.
  
• Dash and Other In-Vehicle Cameras: Some personal vehicles have dash cameras, and many commercial vehicles have similar in-vehicle or onboard cameras. If witnesses or other drivers at the scene had dash cameras, their footage could provide a valuable perspective on the accident. Dash cameras are inexpensive, widely available, and can be easily set up in your vehicle. Some vehicles, notably buses, semi-trucks, and Teslas, have built-in cameras and may include different angles. Dash cams may automatically record an accident and store the footage, but some may require relevant videos to be manually selected and stored. If there is not enough storage in the camera or if the camera is not connected to a cloud storage, the video must be downloaded. If the video footage is from the other driver’s vehicle, the other driver’s insurance will likely not release the video to you without a lawsuit or subpoena.
  
• Residential Cameras: In residential areas, doorbell cameras or security cameras could have captured the incident, especially if the accident occurred near homes.

Retaining an experienced personal injury attorney immediately after an accident ensures that all possible sources of video footage are explored and contacted right away, before any video footage is lost.

2. Act Quickly

Time is of the essence when trying to obtain car accident video evidence. Traffic camera recordings and surveillance footage are often overwritten or deleted after a short period, sometimes as soon as 24 to 72 hours. To prevent losing crucial evidence, hire an experienced car accident attorney right away to contact the business and obtain subpoenas, if necessary. Delaying this process could mean that the video you need no longer exists.

3. Request Footage from Local Businesses

If your accident occurred near a business, it’s possible that their security cameras captured the incident. Contact the business as soon as possible to request a copy of their surveillance footage. When making your request:

• Be polite and professional. Businesses are not legally obligated to provide you with their footage, so cooperation is key.
  
• Provide specific details about the time and location of the accident.
  
• Offer to cover any costs associated with retrieving the footage.

Some businesses may be hesitant to release video evidence without a subpoena, especially if they are concerned about privacy or liability issues. If you encounter resistance, hire an experienced car accident attorney to make the request on your behalf or obtain a subpoena if necessary.

4. Hire A Car Accident Attorney to Preserve and Obtain Video Footage

If your efforts to obtain accident footage are unsuccessful or if you’re unsure where to start, consulting an attorney can be helpful. Attorneys experienced in car accident cases in Las Vegas will know how to find and obtain accident video footage. They can:

• Request and obtain video evidence from traffic cameras and businesses.
  
• Issue subpoenas for footage that is not willingly provided.
  
• Navigate legal challenges related to privacy or access to public records.

Having an attorney on your side can also strengthen your case, as they will know how to use the obtained footage effectively in negotiations or court proceedings.

5. Consider Crowd-Sourced Footage

In today’s digital age, it’s common for bystanders to record accidents with their smartphones. After an accident, consider reaching out to witnesses or posting on local social media groups to ask if anyone has footage of the incident. While this approach can be a long shot, it has the potential to uncover valuable evidence that you might not find through traditional channels.

Trust Carvalho & Associates with Your Car Accident Case

Securing video footage of your car accident in Las Vegas is essential to building a strong case and achieving a fair outcome. At Carvalho & Associates, proudly serving Las Vegas, Nevada, we understand the challenges involved in obtaining this crucial evidence and are here to guide you through each step of the process. From identifying potential sources to navigating the complexities of obtaining footage from traffic cameras or local businesses, our experienced legal team is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you have the evidence needed to support your claims. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t leave your case to chance—contact us today for expert legal assistance and a free consultation.